Effect of methanol stem bark extract of Ficus trigonata on lipid profile and liver function indices in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei

Abstract

Antioxidant activity of methanol extract of Ficus trigonata stem bark and its effect on serum lipid profile and liver function parameters in Plasmodium berghei infected mice were investigated. In-vitro antioxidant activity of the methanol stem bark extract of the plant was determined using Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay. Thirty (30) adult mice were separated into six (6) groups, each containing five (5) mice. Group I is the naive group, given only water and normal feed, Group II is the negative control, infected and untreated, Group III is the standard control, infected and treated with standard drug (chloroquine) while Group IV, V and VI, infected and treated with the methanol extract of Ficus trigonata stem bark for a duration of 5 days. Determination of lipid profile and liver enzyme markers were performed by standard procedures. The results clearly revealed that, the extract had good antioxidant activity with an IC50 of 2.31 mg/ml even though significantly less than that of ascorbic acid at P<0.05. The elevated serum Triacylglyceride (TAG), Total Cholesterol (TC), Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Aspartate Transaminase (AST), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Total Protein and Total bilirubin levels observed were significantly (P<0.05) decreased by the extract compared to infected and untreated group. However, the decreased serum High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and Albumin levels observed were significantly (P<0.05) elevated by the extract compared to infected and untreated group. Conclusively, the plant extract clearly revealed the potentials to restore a stable lipid profile and liver function markers in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei.